keep back

keep back

"Keep back" is a phrasal verb that means to maintain a distance from something or someone, or to hold oneself or others from approaching. It can also mean to retain something for later use.

Examples of usage:

"The crowd was told to keep back from the burning building." (maintain distance)

"I'll keep back a portion of the cake for tomorrow." (retain for later)

"She had to keep back her tears during the emotional speech." (restrain)

The meaning depends on context, but it generally involves creating or maintaining separation—physical, temporal, or emotional. When have you found yourself needing to "keep back" recently? Was it to maintain safety, preserve resources, or control emotions?